Megan Darian

This five-year strategic plan for the Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians is designed to protect the visual health of Arizona citizens by regulating the opticianry profession. The plan outlines key goals, including ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct through efficient processing of examinations and licenses, diligently investigating and adjudicating consumer complaints, enhancing the profession through the administration of continuing education requirements, and maintaining consistency with other states through membership in governmental and industry associations and active engagement with the optical industry.

The meeting included a formal announcement of retirement from the Executive Director, effective in August 2026, and the establishment of a recruiting committee to oversee the transition. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved several applications for licensure for dispensing opticians, as well as applications for licensure by comity from candidates in other states.

The committee convened to interview three candidates for the position of Executive Director. Each interview was conducted in executive session to maintain confidentiality. Following the interviews, the committee members reached a unanimous consensus to recommend the first candidate to the full board for a potential second interview or an offer of employment.

The board discussed agency operations, noting a 96% renewal rate for licensed dispensing opticians in 2025. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved applications for new licenses and reinstatements.

The agenda for the teleconference meeting includes the call to order, declaration of conflicts of interest, review, discussion, and approval of the January 7, 2026, Open Session Minutes. Key discussion topics under Agency Operations involve the final status of the 2025 License Dispensing Opticians Renewal Period. The Board will also review and discuss applications for licensure for new Opticians and applications for reinstatement. Future meeting dates for 2026 are scheduled for discussion, followed by consideration of future agenda items and a call to the public.